Gas fired cooktop and method of assembling the same

Abstract

A gas burner assembly for a gas fired cooktop includes a first burner, second burner and a third burner arranged between the first burner and second burner. A first valve is configured to control gas supplied to the first burner. A second valve is configured to control gas supplied to the second burner and the third burner and distribute a first portion of gas to the second burner and a second portion of gas to the third burner.

1 . A gas burner assembly for a gas fired cooktop comprising: 
 a first burner and a second burner;    a third burner arranged between said first burner and second burner;    each said burner comprising a separate body;    a first valve configured to control gas supplied to said first burner; and    a second valve configured to control gas supplied to said second burner and said third burner and distribute a first portion of gas to said second burner and a second portion of gas to said third burner.    
   
   
       2 . A gas burner assembly in accordance with  claim 1  wherein a third valve is arranged between said second valve and said third bumer, said third valve configured as an on/off valve to allow or prohibit gas to flow to said third burner.  
   
   
       3 . A gas burner assembly in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said second valve allows said second burner and said third burner to have their heat adjusted simultaneously.  
   
   
       4 . (canceled)  
   
   
       5 . A gas burner assembly in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said third burner includes a first end, a second end, and a middle, said ends narrower than said middle.  
   
   
       6 . A gas burner assembly in accordance with  claim 5  wherein said middle comprises a plurality of main gas ports and said ends comprise a plurality of smaller ports.  
   
   
       7 . A gas burner assembly in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said third burner configured to remain outside of the flame path of said first burner and said second bumer.  
   
   
       8 . A gas burner assembly in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said third burner configured to be lit by at least one of said first burner and said second burner when gas is supplied to said third burner and at least one of said first burner and said second burner.  
   
   
       9 . A gas fired cooktop comprising: 
 a body;    a first burner and a second burner;    a first valve configured to control gas supplied to said first burner;    a third burner having a first end, a second end, and a middle, said first end adjacent said first burner, said ends narrower than said middle, and said third burner configured to remain outside of a flame path of said first and second burners.    
   
   
       10 . A cooktop in accordance with  claim 9  further comprising a second valve configured to control gas supplied to said second burner and said third burner and distribute a first portion of gas to said second burner and a second portion of gas to said third bummer.  
   
   
       11 . A cooktop in accordance with  claim 9  wherein said third burner includes a central flame area in said middle.  
   
   
       12 . A cooktop in accordance with  claim 11  wherein said central flame area comprises a first side and a second side along a longitudinal direction, a plurality of main ports are defined through at least one of said first and second sides thereby forming a flame zone around said third burner.  
   
   
       13 . A cooktop in accordance with  claim 9  wherein said body further comprises a front wall, a back wall, two side walls, and a top recessed area surrounded by said walls, said burners positioned on said recessed area.  
   
   
       14 . A cooktop in accordance with  claim 9  further comprising a third valve between said second valve and said third burner, said third valve configured as an on/off valve to allow or prohibit gas flow to said third burner.  
   
   
       15 . A method of assembling a gas fired cooktop, said method comprising: 
 providing a gas burner assembly including a first bumer, a second burner and a third burner arranged between the first burner and the second burner, each of the burners comprising a separate body;    providing a first valve configured to control gas supplied to the first burner;    providing a second valve configured to control gas supplied to said second burner and said third burner, and distribute a first portion of gas to said second burner and a second portion of gas to said third burner.    
   
   
       16 . A method in accordance with  claim 15  wherein said providing a third burner comprises configuring said third burner to remain outside a flame path of said first and second burners.  
   
   
       17 . A method in accordance with  claim 15  wherein said providing a third burner comprises configuring said third burner such that it can be lit by at least one of said first burner and said second burner.  
   
   
       18 . A method of assembling a gas fired cooktop in accordance with  claim 15  further comprising arranging a third valve between the second valve and the third burner, the third valve configured as an on/off switch to allow or prohibit gas to flow into the third bumer.  
   
   
       19 . A method in accordance with  claim 15  wherein said providing a third burner comprises providing a burner having a first end, a second end and a middle, said ends narrower than said middle, at least one of said ends adjacent one of said first burner and said second bumer.  
   
   
       20 . A method in accordance with  claim 19  further comprising defining a plurality of ports through the third burner between ends of the burner.  
   
   
       21 . A gas burner assembly for a gas fired cooktop comprising: 
 a first burner and a second burner;    a third burner arranged between said first burner and second burner;    each said burner comprising a separate body;    a first valve configured to control gas supplied to said first bumer; and    a second valve configured to control gas supplied to said second burner and said third burner and distribute a first portion of gas to said second burner and a second portion of gas to said third burner, said third burner configured to remain outside of the flame path of said first burner and said second bumer, said third burner configured to be lit by at least one of said first burner and said second burner when gas is supplied to said third burner and at least one of said first burner and said second burner.